Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell gets contract update from ESPN writer after big night

The Kenneth Gainwell signing in the offseason was pretty much an afterthought.

The expectation was that the Pittsburgh Steelers would rely on incumbent Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson in the backfield. Gainwell had just won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, yes, but as a backup to the workhorse Saquon Barkley. 

Turns out, Gainwell can do well with a bigger role, too.

He's split work a lot more evenly with Warren than anticipated, pushing the rookie Johnson into a total afterthought role.

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The consistently excellent performances from Gainwell have also raised a key point: He's only on a one-year deal in Pittsburgh. And as a free agent, he's set up to exceed what he has earned before.

"Gainwell signed a one-year, $1.79 million deal to join the Steelers in free agency last year, and he should earn a fair bit more this time," ESPN's Brooke Pryor wrote on Tuesday. "Elusive and explosive, Gainwell has been a Swiss Army knife for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith throughout the season, and he led the Steelers with 80 rushing yards against the Dolphins. He also had 7 receptions on 7 targets for 46 yards."

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The Steelers have gotten an up-close look at Gainwell, so it wouldn't be surprising for them to try and bring him back. There's also only so much money a team will want to devote to the RB position, though, so if Gainwell's asking price rises too high, maybe he ends up elsewhere.

Regardless of final destination, Gainwell has certainly done well for himself. The Steelers gave him a chance, and he has run with it, all the way to a solid next contract.

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